Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSIncrease in alcohol misuse among over-60s
There has been an increase in alcohol misuse among the over-60s as older people struggle to cope with life after leaving their jobs, according to the London-based alcohol and drug charity Foundation66.
It reports an increase in ‘late onset’ alcohol misuse among over-60s, and says that more of them are ending up in hospital as a result.
Chief executive Sally Scriminger said: ‘The older people we see with drink problems come from all walks of life. Many are retired professionals, who never had issues with alcohol in the past.
‘Because they don’t fit the stereotypes people hold about alcohol misuse, and because they often keep their drinking hidden, there just aren’t enough services out there to offer them the help they need.
‘They don’t even have to leave home to buy alcohol - supermarket delivery services will bring it straight to their door.’
The survey of people aged over 60 found that one in 10 often drink when they are alone, 13% drink more now they have retired, 19% drink because they are depressed and 13% do so to deal with bereavement.
A separate poll found that one in 10 of the general public is concerned about the amount of alcohol drunk by a friend or family member aged 60 or over.
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